Most people don’t realize that their laundry basket could be a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and fungi.
If you think your clothes are clean just because they smell okay, think again. Here are some surprising facts that will change the way you do your laundry forever.
Laundry day equals germ day
Many people leave dirty clothes sitting in the hamper for weeks. The bad news is that some germs can survive that long.
Viruses and fungi may die within days, but E. coli and salmonella can live for weeks, and staph bacteria may stick around for a month.
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Damp, sweaty clothes are a paradise for bacteria.
The sniff test won’t save you
Trusting your nose to decide if something needs a wash? Bad idea. Bad smells come from sweat and body oils, not necessarily harmful bacteria.
Sweat doesn’t smell by itself, but bacteria break down acids in sweat, creating body odor. If you’re in doubt, wash it.
Underwear is the dirtiest
Your underwear is the worst offender in the laundry basket.
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It’s in constant contact with your genitals and anus, so it can carry fecal bacteria and germs from genital infections.
Always wash your underwear properly to avoid spreading bacteria.
Kids’ clothes are germ magnets
Children pick up bacteria everywhere: car seats, tablets, sports mats, lunchboxes, backpacks, even pet toys.
To keep germs from spreading through your whole household, wash your child’s clothes separately, especially when they’re sick.
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Keep towels separate
Towels are even more germ-laden than clothes. Their thickness keeps them damp longer, helping bacteria thrive.
Dish towels that touch raw meat can carry salmonella and E. coli. Bath towels can pick up fecal bacteria. It’s best to wash towels separately.
Wash your hands after handling laundry
Every time you load dirty clothes into the washer or transfer damp clothes to the dryer, you’re getting germs on your hands.
Always wash your hands after dealing with laundry to avoid spreading germs around your home.
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Kill germs the right way
To really kill germs in your laundry, wash clothes on a hot cycle and dry them in the dryer for 45 minutes.
Use bleach for whites and peroxide or color-safe bleach for colored items. The water should be at least 140°F (60°C) to kill bacteria and viruses.
Sunlight is your friend
If you line dry your clothes, hang them outside whenever possible. UV rays from the sun can kill leftover germs.
Just keep in mind that drying clothes outside can collect pollen, which might be an issue for allergy sufferers.
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Don’t forget your washing machine
Bacteria from your clothes can stay inside your washer and contaminate the next load.
If water pools in the machine, germs may grow there, too. Run an empty hot wash with chlorine bleach about once a month.
If you live in a humid area or wash very dirty clothes, do it more often.
Disinfect your laundry hamper
Your hamper can be a germ hotel. After emptying it, spray the inside with a disinfectant cleaner.
This simple habit can reduce germs and help keep your family healthier.
This article is based on information from WebMD.com.